Computer Architecture vs. Organization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of computer architecture as mentioned in the content?

It remains unchanged over many years.

It only applies to high-performance computers.

It encompasses multiple models within a family. (correct)

It represents a specific design for a single model.

What advantage does a customer have when using the IBM System/370 architecture?

They are forced to upgrade to newer models immediately.

They can only use the most expensive model.

They must abandon their existing software for upgrades.

They can upgrade to a better model without losing previous software. (correct)

What differentiates computer organization from computer architecture?

Computer organization refers to the actual implementation of the architecture. (correct)

Computer organization deals with the marketing of models.

Computer organization is about the overall design philosophy.

Computer organization is limited to older technology.

How has IBM managed the transition from older to newer models of the System/370?

By retaining the same architecture while improving technology. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for computer architecture to span many years?

It allows software to remain compatible across different models. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of computer architecture in the development of models in a family?

To maintain consistency while varying performance. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of a computer makes it a complex system?

It has millions of elementary electronic components. Signup and view all the answers

What does the improvement of performance in newer models typically provide for customers?

Greater speed and lower cost. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary material used to fabricate the chips on a motherboard?

Silicon Signup and view all the answers

What does the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) do within a core?

Performs mathematical and logical operations Signup and view all the answers

Which cache specifically handles the transfer of operands and results?

L1 data cache Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of load/store logic in a core?

Transfers data to and from main memory Signup and view all the answers

How many layers are typically found on a motherboard?

2 to 10 Signup and view all the answers

What type of circuit is created on a single piece of semiconducting material?

Integrated circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an instruction cache (I-cache)?

Transferring instructions to and from main memory Signup and view all the answers

Which cache is a part of today's processor chips and is located at level 2?

L2 Cache Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the control unit in the CPU?

Controls the operation of the CPU Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the CPU is mainly responsible for data processing functions?

Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of registers within the CPU?

To store temporary results and control information Signup and view all the answers

How do registers differ from main memory in a CPU?

Registers are internal to the CPU and faster than main memory Signup and view all the answers

What is a system bus in a computer architecture?

A collection of wires connecting CPU components Signup and view all the answers

In a multicore computer, what is a key characteristic?

It allows more efficient execution of multiple tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the size of registers is correct?

Registers generally have the same size and function Signup and view all the answers

What connects the control unit, ALU, and registers within the CPU?

CPU interconnection mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What represents the most significant 40 bits of the result when multiplying two 40-bit numbers in the IAS computer?

AC register Signup and view all the answers

Which components are involved in the fetch cycle of the IAS computer?

IR and MAR Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Control Circuits during the execute cycle?

Perform the operation specified by the opcode Signup and view all the answers

What sequence of loading occurs if an instruction is obtained from memory in the fetch cycle?

MAR, MBR, IR, IBR Signup and view all the answers

Which register is specifically designed to hold the opcode instruction being executed?

IR Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the control unit within a computer?

To manage the computer's resources and functional parts Signup and view all the answers

What defines the data movement process known as input-output (I/O)?

Receiving or delivering data from/to directly connected devices Signup and view all the answers

Which component is primarily responsible for performing data processing functions in a computer?

Central processing unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

What role does main memory play in a computer's architecture?

Stores data temporarily for processing Signup and view all the answers

How is data communications defined in the context of computer architecture?

Moving data over long distances to or from remote devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of system interconnection in a computer?

To allow communication between CPU, memory, and I/O Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a peripheral device?

A source or destination of data directly connected to the computer Signup and view all the answers

What are files of data stored on a computer primarily used for?

Long-term data storage for retrieval and update Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Architecture vs. Computer Organization

The importance of understanding the difference lies in how a computer manufacturer can offer a family of computer models with the same architecture but different organization.
Models in a family can have different price and performance characteristics.
An architecture can span many years and encompass different models with their organization changing with technology.
This is demonstrated by the IBM System/370 architecture which was introduced in 1970.
It included several models with different price points and allowed customers to upgrade to faster models without losing their software investments.

Structure and Function of a Computer

A computer is a complex system made up of millions of electronic components.
Computers perform at least two functions: short-term data storage and long-term data storage.
Short-term data storage happens when the computer processes data and stores it temporarily.
Long-term data storage is achieved through files stored on the computer for retrieval and update.
Data movement happens between the computer and its external environment, referred to as input-output (I/O).
Peripherals are devices directly connected to the computer and act as sources or destinations for data.
Data communications involve transferring data over longer distances, to or from remote devices.
Control unit manages the computer's resources and orchestrates the functional parts in response to instructions.

Hierarchical View of a Single-Processor Computer

A traditional single-processor computer has four main components: central processing unit (CPU), main memory, I/O, and system interconnection.
The CPU controls the operation of the computer and performs the processing of data.
Main memory stores data.
I/O moves data between the computer and its external environment.
System interconnection, often a system bus, enables communication between the CPU, main memory, and I/O.

CPU Components

The CPU has three main structural components: control unit, arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), and registers.
The control unit manages the CPU's operation, including the computer's overall operation.
The ALU performs the computer's data processing functions.
Registers provide temporary storage internal to the CPU.
Communication between the control unit, ALU, and registers is facilitated by the CPU interconnection.

Registers

The CPU has a high-speed, internal memory with registers for storing temporary results and control information.
Each register has a defined size and function.
Registers typically have the same size, capable of holding one number.
Registers can be read and written at high speed due to their proximity to the CPU.

Hierarchical Structure of a Multicore Computer

Multicore computers have multiple processors, typically two to ten, forming layers interconnected by copper pathways engraved on the motherboard.
Chips, single pieces of semiconductor material, often silicon, contain electronic circuits and logic gates.
The chips are referred to as integrated circuits.

Structure of a Core - Functional Elements

A core has several functional elements: instruction logic, arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), load/store logic, and caches.
Instruction logic fetches and decodes instructions, determines the operation, and identifies the memory locations of operands.
The ALU performs the operation specified by an instruction.
Load/store logic manages the transfer of data to and from main memory via cache.
Cache systems have multiple levels: L1, L2, and L3.
L1 Cache includes a data cache for operand and result transfer and an instruction cache for managing instruction transfer between main memory and the core.
L2 Cache is often incorporated into the core in modern processor chips.

IAS Computer - AC and MQ Registers

The IAS computer uses AC and MQ registers for storing the result of multiplication.
AC stores the most significant 40 bits of an 80-bit result.
MQ stores the least significant 40 bits of an 80-bit result.

IAS Computer - Operation and Instruction Cycle

The IAS operates by repeating an instruction cycle which includes two subcycles: the fetch cycle and the execute cycle.
In the fetch cycle, the opcode of the next instruction is loaded into the IR.
The address portion is loaded into the MAR.
The Instruction Register (IR) contains the 8-bit opcode instruction being executed.
The Memory Address Register (MAR) specifies the address in memory of the word to be written or read to/from the memory.
The instruction can be taken from the IBR or obtained from memory.
The execute cycle is performed after the opcode is loaded into the IR.
Control circuits interpret the opcode and execute the instruction by sending out control signals to move data or perform an ALU operation.

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Description

Test your understanding of computer architecture and organization. This quiz delves into how various models from the same architecture can differ in organization, price, and performance, as well as the basic structure and function of a computer system.